REDS ON THE ROAD IN LEAGUE CUP THIRD ROUND

Spittal Rovers v Rothbury

Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup Third Round

Newfields Park, Berwick. Kick-off 1.30pm.

Goals could be at a premium as the meanest defences in Division Two meet in a League Cup clash at Berwick.

Rothbury and former NNFL colleagues Rovers have identical goal differences at present, with both sides netting 40 and conceding 16, though Spittal have played a game less.

So Rothbury player boss Dan Herron is expecting a tight affair up at the Border town against an impressive Black and Whites outfit.

“Rovers were a very tidy side when we played them earlier on in the season, and have very good form at home so it’s definitely going to be a tough one,” he said.

“Hopefully we can keep our momentum from the last two games and take it into this one. Our last away performance at Stobswood was one of our best so far this season, so I’d love to replicate that.”

The winners of the tie will face an away trip either Premier Division leaders Newcastle Uni or fellow top-tier side Newcastle Blue Star in Round Four, but Herron isn’t getting carried away by looking beyond Saturday’s game.

“I mean it’s always a massive incentive to test yourself at the best level, and those two are two of the best in the Alliance without a doubt. Although I’m not sure how much I’d be looking forward to playing them the day after party day!! But we have to play Spittal first, so our focus is there,” he admitted.

Joel Laviers and Gareth McCann have served their suspensions and are available for selection, but Herron added that a couple of players are away. “We’ll just have to see how it goes on the squad front,” he said.

Herron has been delighted by the turn-outs that have been backing the Reds this season and appealed to the support to make the trip up with the team.

“I know it’s a long way to travel but we’d love to see some of our regular ultras there to spur the lads on. The support we’ve had this season, both home and away, has been unreal, and the lads really do thrive on it.”

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